Rail securing device



A g. 1967 F. o.' SCHRIEVER RAIL SECURING DEVICE Filed June 11, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 FIG. 2

I/VVE/VTOI? FRED 0. SCH/NEVER 1967 F. o. SCHRIEVER I 3,337,132

2 Sheets-Sheet 2 United States Patent Ofitice 3,337,132 Patented Aug. 22, 1967 3,337,132 RAIL SECURING DEVICE Fred 0. Schriever, 702 /2 S. Main St., Aberdeen, S. Dak. 57401 Filed June 11, 1964, Ser. No. 374,419 11 Claims. (Cl. 238-332) This invention relates to a novel rail securing device. More particularly, this invention relates to an improved device for securing railroad rails to crossties and in particular concrete crossties, which substantially eliminates movement of the rail.

The problem of securing railroad rails to a crosstie to prevent movement of the rail has long plagued the industry. As may be appreciated, the rails are subjct to -movement both in the direction of train movement and laterally with respect to the crosstie.

The most commonly used device for anchoring rails to a crosstie is the spike; however, it is well known that spikes work loose, hence requiring frequent replacement. It will also be appreciated that spikes are not suitable for use with concrete crossties. Numerous anchoring devices have been proposed and used in an attempt to overcome the deficiencies of the long used railroad spike; however, substantially all of the proposed devices have one or more of the disadvantages of being unduly expensive, cumbersome, diflicult to install, diflicult to maintain and inspect, require matching pairs, weaken the crosstie, prevent creeping of rail in only one direction, are subject to atmospheric degeneration to name a few.

Among the numerous devices proposed as a substitute for the spike and for particular use with crossties other than wood are those which comprise pairs of gripping members on either side of the rail joined to each other and the crosstie by nuts, bolts, or interlocking mechanisms. These devices have proven unsatisfactory in that they are diflicult to install, relatively expensive, difficult to maintain in matching pairs and in addition, constant exposure of the devices to atmospheric conditions weaken the locking members which hold the device in place.

Other proposed devices comprise pivoted jaw means but in those devices, the means for effecting a simultaneous movement of the jaws has generally comprised a separate element, e.g. a wedging element which is subject to displacement, hence improper fit and quite easily lost when removed to release the clamping jaws.

Devices are also known which clamp on one side of the rail and anchors on the other side. Such devices have the disadvantage of not preventing lateral or transverse movement of the rail, in other words, these devices merely prevent creeping of the rail in one direction. It is also known to utilize clamping devices which require a bolt embedded in the crosstie onto which a clamping means is clipped, attached by means of nuts, lock washers and the like. Such devices have proven unsatisfactory in that the bolt weakens the crosstie often causing same to crack under the weight of a passing train.

As may be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the known devices for rigidly securing a railroad rail to a crosstie particularly crossties of concrete, have not proven entirely satisfactory. It will also be appreciated that the great stresses and strains to which these devices are subjected dictates that they be extremely sturdy. In view of the sheer volume of means necessary for securing rails to crossties on any stretch of railroad, the means must be simple and relatively easy to install by unskilled workmen and readily inspectable for proper security.

In accordance with the invention, a clamp anchor lock is provided which successfully overcomes the disadvantages of the known devices. The device of this invention ofliers the advantages of providing a clamp anchor locking device which is simple, practical, easily installed and readily removable, eliminating spikes and bolts presently used with wooden and concrete crossties; provides locking means under the rail substantially protected from the elements; substantially prevents any movement of the rail in any direction.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide an improved rail anchoring device which will meet the requirements referred to above, and overcome the disadvantages of known devices.

Another object of this invention is to provide a device which will insure a positive gripping force between railroad rails and crossties substantially preventing both longitudinal and transverse movement of said rails with respect to the crosstie.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a rail anchoring device which is sturdy, simple, and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

A further object of this invention is to provide a rail anchoring device which comprises a simple and practical clamping member which grips the base of a rail and lockingly engages the crosstie through a member embedded therein.

An important object of this invention is the provision of a rail anchoring device which does not require bolts, nuts, pivoting joints or the like.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and drawings in which like parts bear the same numeral.

FIGURE 1 is a top plan view of the rail securing devices of this invention, shown in conjunction with a section of rail and crosstie.

FIGURE 2 is a view partly in section of the device as shown in FIGURE 1 taken on line 22.

FIGURE 3 is a view partly in section of the device as shown in FIGURE 1 taken on line 3-3.

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary side view partly in section showing another embodiment of the inventive device for securing a rail to a nonrectangular crosstie.

Referring to the drawings in detail, it may be seen that rail 11 is disposed on crosstie 13 in the conventional manner, that is, the base flange 12 of the rail 11 rests squarely on crosstie 13 at a right angle thereto. It is to be understood that while the base flange of a rail varies in dimension, e.g. width and thickness, all railroad rails are of the same general configuration. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, and for descriptive purposes, the-crossties are of concrete, but it is to be understood that the device of this invention may be used with crossties of wood.

As in conventional construction, tie plate 14 is constructed in such manner that the rail fits onto the surface thereof. One of the advantages of this invention resides in the fact that the device of this invention may be satisfactorily used without a tie plate, or performs extremely well with, for example, merely a plastic or nylon pad disposed in place of the conventional tie plate. With particular reference to FIGURES 2, 3, and 4, the improved rail anchor lock 15 of this invention is shown in gripping arrangement with rail 11 and an anchor member 17 disposed in crosstie 13.

Referring to FIGURE 2, rail anchor locking member 15 is shown to comprise a hook shaped head portion 19, body or shank portion 21 and tail portion 22. The head portion 19 is provided with an upper jaw 23 and a lower jaw 24 for gripping the base flange 12 of the rail. The body portion 21 and tail portion 22 are constructed in such manner that when the jaws of head portion 19 are in gripping relation with the base flange of the rail, body portion 21 extends substantially downward from the head teeth 16 are provided on the upper surface of tail portion 22 for locking engagement with anchor member 17.

Anchor member 17 may be affixed to or embedded in crosstie 13 in any suitable manner. Member 17 may be of numerous shapes or constructions which present a means for engaging ratchet teeth 16 on anchor lock 15 without diminishing the structural strength of the crosstie. An inverted U-shaped bar or channel-iron, as illustrated in the drawings is preferred. The edge of such channel-irons readily provide a depending member onto which ratchet teeth 16 may be engaged.

Anchor member 17 may contain a slot or groove 18, as shown in the illustrated embodiment of FIGURES 3 and 4 for receiving and engaging ratchet teeth 16, facilitating installation and providing additional security against movement. It will be appreciated that when installed, the ratchet teeth of the anchor lock are substantially protected from atmospheric conditions by the rail lying thereover.

Another embodiment of this invention is depicted in FIGURE 4 for use where tapered crossties are used. As shown, rail anchor lock member 15 is simply cast in such a manner that the body or shank portion 21 conforms to the taper of the crosstie. To use the rail anchor lock of this invention, the gripping jaws on head portion 19 are placed in wedging relationship with the base flange 12 of the rail 11; the jaws are placed as far over the base flange as practical and the body or shank portion 21 is then rotated downwardly, tightening the grip of the jaws on the base flange of the rail. This downward movement also causes the ratchet teeth 16 on tail portion 22 to lockingly engage with the member 17 embedded in the crosstie. The inclined edge of ratchet teeth 16 will slide relatively easily under member 17; however, reverse movement is prevented by the perpendicular side of the ratchet teeth 16. Anchor locking member 15 is thus rotated until it securely grips the rail, during which motion the lock is held fast by the ratchet teeth 16.

Anchoring locking member 15 may be removed simply by further rotation in a manner to allow the edge of member 17 to ride to the top of the following tooth, followed by exerting a downward thrust upon the head 19 in a direction away from member 17 or by inserting a device such as a crow bar between the ratchet teeth and the interior of the locking member 17, a simultaneous lift and turn to the right or left, as the case may be, will effect removal.

The use of a pair of the anchor lock devices gripping this invention on each side of the rail will provide complementary forces upon both sides of the rail and crosstie, to the end that movement of the rail in any direction is substantially prevented. The use of an anchor lock abuting both sides of the crosstie will prevent unwanted lateral movement of the rail discussed hereinabove, a double locking action is further provided by fitting the anchor locking member into groove 18 in the anchor member 17. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that in place of a groove any other type of locking or abuting member may be provided on the anchor member 17 to prevent lateral movement of the clamp anchor locking member 15.

The dimensions of the securing device of this invention will, of course, vary according to its intended use. For use on a medium size rail with a /2 X /8 base, a member clamp anchor lock about 5 /8 long, with a wide shank and a 1% deep jaw has been found to be satisfactory, while an anchor member 2" wide and 1" high are suitable for engagement with such a gripping member. The extent of the ratchet teeth on the gripping member will be about Ma" which will facilitate its use on bases of varying widths.

The drawings depict the preferred embodiment of this invention where quadruple gripping points are provided. The securing members may be of drop forged teel or other suitable materials.

in the direction of its length. As

From the foregoing description, the nature and operation of thi invention will be apparent. A simple and sturdy securing device has been provided to eliminate unwanted movement between a railroad rail and its supporting crosstie. The gripping members may easily be snapped in place and subsequent tightening and adjusting are performed merely by further rotation of the shank of the gripping member, which is the sole moving part of this device. Positive locking action is provided to prevent both longitudinal creep and transverse motion of the rail. Thus this invention provides a superior securing .device of proven effectiveness and practicality.

In summary, the clamp anchor lock of this invention eliminate the need for spikes and anchors presently used with wooden crossties; eliminates the use of bolts placed in crossties which have a tendency to weaken the crosstie; the locking engagement is under the rail therefore protected from the weather; provides a device of utmost simplicity of installation; provides a quadruple anchorage on each side of the crosstie, hence substantially eliminating any movement of the rail; provides a device which may be removed simply; provides a device which affords easy visual inspection to detect any loose or unattached anchor lock; provides a device which enables expeditious replacement of a rail when necessary; and provides a device which may be used effectively with or without a conventional tie plate or merely a pad of a synthetic material disposed between the rail and crosstie.

It is obvious that certain changes may be made in the above device without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. It is also understood that other modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. A device for securing a rail to a crosstie comprising an anchor locking member comprising a head section and a tail section said head section adapted to wedgingly grip the rail and said tail section having ratchet teeth thereon and an anchor-member affixed to said crosstie and adapted to engage and lock onto said ratchet teeth.

2. A device for securing a rail to a crosstie on which said rail is supported, comprising an anchor locking member having a head section and tail section, said head section adapted to grip said rail, and said tail section having a series of ratchet teeth, said anchor locking member positioned to abut said crosstie, and

an anchor member affixed to to engage and lock onto anchor locking member.

3. A device for securing a rail to a crosstie on which said rail is supported, comprising an anchor locking member having a tail section,

said head section comprising a pair of jaws adapted to grip said rail, and

said tail section having a series of ratchet teeth,

and an anchor member afliXed to said crosstie having an edge adapted to engage and lock onto the teeth of said tail section, and

an abutment adapted to receive the tail section of said anchor locking member to reduce the lateral movement of said member along the length of the rail.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein complementary anchor locking members are positioned on opposite sides of said rail, each of which engage said anchor member to balance the forces thereon.

5. A device for securing a railroad rail to a crosstie On which said rail is supported, comprising an anchor locking member having a head section and a tail section, said head having a pair of jaws to receive and wedgingly grip the lower flange of the rail,

said crosstie and adapted the ratchet teeth of said head section and a said tail section extending below and under said rail and having a series of ratchet teeth thereon and an anchor member embedded in said crosstie at a position beneath said rail, having a groove therein adapted to receive the tail section of said anchor locking member to reduce the lateral movement of said member along the length of said rail, and means adapted to engage and lock onto the ratchet teeth of said anchor locking member when the head section of said member is wedgingly engaged on the flange of said rail and the tail section of said anchor locking member is driven under said rail to engage the anchor member.

6. The device of claim 5 'wherein complementary anchor locking members are positioned on opposite sides of said rail, each of which engage said anchor member to balance the forces thereon.

7. The device of claim 5 wherein said anchor member is approximately a channel iron and positioned with the edges thereof extending downwardly away from the rail to be anchored.

8. The device of claim 5 wherein said means adapted to engage and lock onto the ratchet teeth of said gripping member is the edge of said groove adapted to receive the tail section of said anchor locking member.

9. The device of claim 5 wherein said anchor member extends through said crosstie in alignment with said rail.

10. The device of claim 9 wherein four anchor locking members are positioned on the crosstie, a complementary pair on the forward and rear sides of the crosstie, each member of a pair engaging said anchor member from opposite sides of the flange of said rail. 3

11. The device of claim 10 wherein each anchor looking member abuts the side of said crosstie.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 858,973 7/1907 Gilbert 238321 1,094,516 4/1914 Blessing 238-332 1,353,412 9/1920 Mueller 238-332 2,294,987 9/1942 Johnson 238-327 ARTHUR L. LA POINT, Primary Examiner.

R. A. BERTSCH, Assistant Examiner. 

5. A DEVICE FOR SECURING A RAILROAD RAIL TO A CROSSTIE ON WHICH SAID RAIL IS SUPPORTED, COMPRISING AN ANCHOR LOCKING MEMBER HAVING A HEAD SECTION AND A TAIL SECTION, SAID HEAD HAVING A PAIR OF JAWS TO RECEIVE AND WEDGINGLY GRIP THE LOWER FLANGE OF THE RAIL, SAID TAIL SECTION EXTENDING BELOW AND UNDER SAID RAIL AND HAVING A SERIES OF RATCHET TEETH THEREON AND AN ANCHOR MEMBER EMBEDDED IN SAID CROSSTIE AT A POSITION BENEATH SAID RAIL, HAVING 